Only nine days ago, former Gov. Mark Sanford invoked the Alamo in a full-page advertisement in his local paper, pleading for reinforcements to his embattled special election campaign. The appeal might have worked.

The latest Republican to offer support is the man whose appointment to the Senate created the seat's special election: Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C. He's one of several Republicans and conservatives who offered either verbal or financial support to Sanford in the last week

The change of heart means Democrats are looking for any sign the NRCC might renege on its decision to pull the plug on Sanford. Democratic aides point to the Missouri Senate race in 2012, when the National Republican Senatorial Committee publicly abandoned former Rep. Todd Akin for making controversial statements about rape. Then, later in the cycle, the NRSC funneled $760,000 into the race via the state party.

But NRCC aides say they are sticking with their decision to stay out of the race.

Sanford faces Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch on May 7 in this solidly Republican district. But thanks to Sanford's personal troubles and a large Democratic investment, this race is competitive.